Bronchodilatory properties of 2-decarboxy-2-hydroxymethyl prostaglandin E1

We evaluated in a double-blind study the bronchodilatory properties of 2-decarboxy-2-hydroxymethyl prostaglandin E1 (PGE1-carbinol), described recently as a nonirritant bronchodilator in animals. Fifteen asthmatic patients received by inhalation single doses of 1, 10, and 30 micrograms PGE1-carbinol, 55 micrograms PGE2, and placebo (10% ethanol in normal saline, which was also used as diluent for the PGs). Such pulmonary function tests as forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, and maximal expiratory flow were monitored during 2 hours following inhalation of each compound. 10 and 30 micrograms PGE1-carbinol produced significant but short-acting bronchodilation, similar to that caused by 55 micrograms PGE2. One-third of the patients reported mild cough and throat irritation during and shortly after inhalation of 30 micrograms PGE1-carbinol or 55 micrograms PGE2. Placebo and 1 microgram PGE1-carbinol produced minimal side effects, but neither agent caused bronchodilation. In an adjunctive, unblinded trial, the same patients received 400 micrograms fenoterol. Fenoterol caused greater bronchodilation 15 and 30 minutes after inhalation than did the PGs in the double-blind study.